Longitudinal effects of daily practices on presenteeism and mental health of teleworkers in Japan.

Otsuka, Yuichiro; Itani, Osamu; Kaneita, Yoshitaka · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

prospective_cohort · Level II

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Abstract

To investigate longitudinal associations between daily teleworking practices, mental health, and work performance among Japanese teleworkers. We conducted a two‑year longitudinal study of 710 teleworkers employed by five companies in metropolitan Tokyo. Baseline teleworking practices included maintaining a comfortable workspace, setting daily goals, regulating work hours, maintaining sleep routines, and chatting with colleagues. Depressive symptoms and work performance were assessed at baseline and follow‑up. Having a comfortable workspace (β = -1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.32 to -0.24) was associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Maintaining sleep routines (β = 3.98; 95% CI, 0.27-7.70) and setting daily goals (β = 4.10; 95% CI, 0.77-7.43) were associated with better work performance. Occupational health interventions for teleworkers should focus on workspace quality and goal setting behaviors.